Virginia meadow beauty, Handsome Harry, Deer grass
Rhexia virginica
Family: Melastomataceae
What it is like
A plant between 60-90 cm high. The stems are 4 sided. The leaves are opposite and do not have a leaf stalk. The flowers are pink. There are 4 broad petals. These fold backwards. The 8 stamens have yellow anthers.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet or moist sandy soil. It suits hardiness zone 4.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, North America, Peru, South America, USA
How it is used for food
The tender leaves can be added to salads. The leaves can be cooked by boiling for 10 minutes then served with lemon or vinegar. The tubers can be chopped and added to salads or eaten raw. The leaves and stems are used to make a sour drink.
Edible parts
Leaves, root, tubers